The answer is Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC). WDAC is the correct choice because it is a modern, hardware-backed security feature that enforces code integrity policies at the kernel level, allowing only applications signed by approved publishers to run. In contrast, AppLocker is a legacy user-mode feature that can be bypassed more easily and lacks the same level of granular publisher-based control. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this distinction tests your understanding of Microsoft’s evolving application control landscape—WDAC is the recommended solution for enterprise environments requiring strict publisher signature enforcement, while AppLocker is often a distractor for older or less secure scenarios. A common trap is assuming both tools are interchangeable; remember that WDAC is for “modern, mandatory, and kernel-level” control, whereas AppLocker is “legacy, optional, and user-mode.” Memory tip: “WDAC wins for signed publishers—AppLocker is the old timer.”
220-1202 Windows Security Settings Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of windows security settings. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security administrator needs to prevent users from running unauthorized software on Windows 10 Enterprise workstations. They want to allow only applications that are signed by approved publishers. Which Windows security feature should be configured?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)
This question tests knowledge of Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) and AppLocker. WDAC is a more modern and secure solution that can enforce code integrity policies based on publisher signatures, while AppLocker is a legacy feature. WDAC can be configured to allow only signed apps from trusted publishers, providing strong application control.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
Why it's wrong here
Firewall controls network traffic, not application execution.
✗
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Why it's wrong here
BitLocker encrypts data at rest and does not control which applications can run.
✓
Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)
Why this is correct
WDAC uses code integrity policies to allow only approved, signed applications to run, meeting the requirement exactly.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
User Account Control (UAC)
Why it's wrong here
UAC prompts for elevation but does not block unauthorized software based on publisher signatures.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Windows Security Settings — This question tests Windows Security Settings — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) — This question tests knowledge of Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) and AppLocker. WDAC is a more modern and secure solution that can enforce code integrity policies based on publisher signatures, while AppLocker is a legacy feature. WDAC can be configured to allow only signed apps from trusted publishers, providing strong application control.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company uses AppLocker to control which applications can run on Windows 10 workstations. A user needs to run a portable application from a USB drive for a presentation, but it is blocked by AppLocker. The user has local admin rights. What is the best way to allow this specific application while maintaining security?
medium
A.Temporarily disable AppLocker service.
B.Add the user to the 'Power Users' group.
✓ C.Create a new AppLocker path rule for the USB drive.
D.Run the application as Administrator.
Why C: AppLocker can be configured with rules based on file path, publisher, or hash. Creating a path rule for the USB drive or a hash rule for the specific executable allows the app while still blocking others. This is more secure than disabling AppLocker or giving the user permanent exceptions.
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Question Discussion
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